Apparatus and method for an adjustable column

ABSTRACT

An adjustable lally column apparatus is described which includes a column, a cap plate and an adjustment mechanism. The cap plate is connected to the column and fasteners are connected to an external beam. The integrated cap plate and column assembly are connected to the fasteners in the beam and the column is suspended from the fasteners. The adjustment mechanism is connected to the column and adjusted to provide a load bearing interface between a floor and the column. A method of adjusting a column includes employing a single person to connect the cap plate and adjustment mechanism, elevating the column to the vertical and using a lever to lift the integrated column and cap plate and connecting the assembled column and cap plate to the beam. The adjustable column is secured to the beam using the fasteners. The adjustment mechanism is connected to a floor and adjusted to place the adjustable column in a load bearing position between the beam and the floor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to columns used to support structures andin particular to lally columns that can be adjusted in height.

2. Description of the Related Art

Permanent structural columns, such as lally columns, are oftenpre-fabricated and cut to size at the construction site to fit theactual height needed for a particular application. The cutting,assembling and installing of the column is a time consuming process thatcan undesirably require specialized tools and skilled labor.

Adjustable columns that have been developed to address this problem aretypically telescopic in nature with a first tubular post sliding withina second tubular post. A cross-bar is inserted through holes aligned inthe first and second posts to fix the height of the column. A cap plateis connected to a threaded bar and the bar is then rotated to elevatethe cap plate for the final height adjustment. These adjustable columns,however, can be load limited compared to traditional lally type columnsand are vulnerable to tampering. Alternative adjustable columns insertone or more shim plates at the base to increase the height of the columnwhile the column is manually held upright for connection withpre-existing apertures in a beam. Both of these configurations requiremultiple personnel to retain the column in position while the height ofthe column is adjusted and the alignment secured.

Columns have traditionally been assumed to support a load that alsoprovides an adequate counterforce against uplifting forces. Thistradition is incorporated into many residential and commercial buildingcodes by the omission of a requirement that columns connect to the floorand supported beam. As a result, in many installations columns aresimply placed in a load bearing position without being positivelysecured to the floor and beam. A secure connection between the column,floor and beam that can provide the uplift protection is beingincreasing recognized as an important structural element under severeweather or environmental conditions.

An adjustable column is needed that can be readily installed by a singleworker with the use of readily available tools that can alsoadvantageously provide uplift protection.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An adjustable lally column is described that comprises a lally columnthat has a first end portion and an opposed second end portion, a capplate and a retention mechanism. The cap plate has a first side thatconnects to the first end portion and an opposed side that is adapted toconnect to a beam. The cap plate includes means for the selectiveretention of the cap plate. An adjustment mechanism includes a baseplate and connects to the second end portion of the column. The baseplate is adapted to be positioned on a floor.

A first position of the adjustable column that includes a supportstructure connected to an external beam and the cap plate connected tothe first end portion of the column. The integrated column and the capplate connected to the support structure using the means for theselective retention of the cap plate. The integrated cap plate andcolumn are suspended in the first position from the connection of thecap plate to the beam.

A second position wherein the adjustment mechanism is connected to thesecond end portion of the column and provides an adjustable load bearinginterface between the floor and a terminal end of the second end portionof the column, the adjustment mechanism moves the column between thesuspended position and a load bearing position between the beam and thefloor.

The first position can further include the alignment of the base platewith the support structure connected to the beam and the securing of thebase plate to the floor. The first side of the cap plate includes a nutand the column includes an anchor bolt. The nut and anchor bolt connectto secure the cap plate to the column. The adjustment mechanism includesa base flange that connects to the second end portion and at least onethreaded adjustment fastener is threadingly connected to the baseflange. The adjustment fastener adjusts the distance between the baseplate and base flange and provides a load bearing interface between thebase flange and base plate.

The adjustment mechanism includes a base flange and a plurality ofthreaded adjustment fasteners. At least two threaded adjustmentfasteners connect the base flange and base plate and at least twothreaded adjustment fasteners adjust the distance between the baseflange and the base plate. The adjustment mechanism can also include abase flange and a plurality of threaded adjustment fasteners thatconnect to the base flange and the distal ends of each of the threadedadjustment fasteners is positioned in a notch on the base plate. Thethreaded adjustment fasteners can extend through the base plate andconfigured to connect to the floor.

The adjustment mechanism further includes a sleeve and a set of discs.The sleeve defines an aperture that receives the column and connects tothe base plate. The set of discs is selectively positionable between aterminal end of the second end portion of the column and the base plate.The set of discs provides a load bearing connection between the columnand base plate.

The base plate and base flange can be connected by a band that connectsthe base plate and base flange. The adjustment mechanism is adapted tobe embedded in concrete. The uplift protection of the adjustable columncan be provided by fasteners that extend through apertures in the baseplate and into the floor and fasteners that extend through apertures inthe cap plate and into the beam.

A method of adjusting the height of a column is described comprising thesteps of providing a column, a cap plate and an adjustment mechanism,connecting a first end portion of the column to a cap plate, connectingfasteners to a beam, connecting the integrated column and cap plate tothe fasteners and suspending the column from the fasteners. The methodalso includes connecting the adjustment mechanism to a second endportion of the column and adjusting the height of the adjustmentmechanism such that the adjustment mechanism moves the column between asuspended position and a load bearing position between the beam andfloor.

The method of adjusting the height of a column can include a singleworker performing the steps of connecting, raising and adjusting theheight of the adjustment mechanism. The step of adjusting the height ofthe adjustment mechanism further includes adjusting the height between abase flange and a base plate of the adjustment mechanism using threadedload bearing fasteners. The step of adjusting the height includesconnecting a base flange to the second end portion of the column andconnecting at least one load bearing fasteners to the base flange andthe base plate to adjust the height of the adjustment mechanism to placethe adjustable column in the load bearing position.

The step of adjusting the height includes connecting a base flange tothe second end portion of the column and threading at least one loadbearing fasteners to the base flange. This step can further include thepositioning of a second end of the load bearing fastener in a notch ofthe base plate to adjust the height of the adjustment mechanism to placethe adjustable column in the load bearing position.

The step of adjusting the height of the adjustment mechanism furtherincludes providing a base plate, a sleeve and a set of discs andadjusting the height of the adjustment mechanism by selectivelyinserting one or more discs of the set of discs between a terminal endof the second end portion of the column and the base plate. The step ofconnecting the adjustment mechanism to the second end portion includesslidingly positioning the sleeve on the column. The step of adjustingthe height of the adjustment mechanism further includes securing thesleeve to the base plate and the column. The step of adjusting theheight of the adjustment mechanism further includes encapsulating theadjustment mechanism in a layer of concrete.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below withreference to the drawings, wherein like numerals are used to refer tothe same or similar elements.

FIG. 1 is a front view of an adjustable column that includes a column, acap plate and an adjustment mechanism, the adjustable column constructedin accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a top and side perspective view of a first end portion of thecolumn and a perspective view of a first side of the cap plate of theadjustable column of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a bottom and side perspective view of a first embodiment ofthe adjustment mechanism of the adjustable column of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side and top perspective view of a second embodiment of theadjustment mechanism of the adjustable column of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a front and upwardly directed perspective view of theconnecting of the adjustable column of FIG. 1 to an external beam;

FIG. 6 is a close-up front and downwardly directed perspective view ofthe adjusting of the height of the adjustable column of FIG. 1 into aload bearing position;

FIG. 7 is a front and downwardly directed perspective view of theadjusting of the height of the adjustable column and adjustmentmechanism of FIG. 4 into a load bearing position; and

FIG. 8 is a front and downwardly directed perspective view of theadjustable column and adjustment mechanism of FIG. 7 in a load bearingposition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring initially to FIG. 1, an apparatus for an adjustable column 10includes an elongate column 12 that has a first end portion 14 and anopposed second end portion 16, a cap plate 18 and an attachmentmechanism 20. First end portion 14 connects to cap plate 18 and secondend portion 16 connects to adjustment mechanism 20. Column 12 defines acentral longitudinal axis and preferably has a cylindrical shape. Inthis preferred embodiment, column 12 is an exemplary lally type column.

As shown in FIG. 2, cap plate 18 is a planar shaped plate that definesat least two key hole type apertures 28 that are selective retentionmechanisms for cap plate 18 with fasteners 32. In addition, cap plate 18can selectively define one or more apertures 29 that are cylindricalshaped through holes. A receptacle or nut 30 is connected to a firstside of cap plate 18. In this preferred embodiment, nut 30 interfaceswith an anchor bolt 42 that is preferably a ½ inch diameter threadedbolt. The opposing side of cap plate 18 is adapted to interface with anexternal structure. In this preferred embodiment, cap plate 18 is anapproximately 5⅜ inches wide, approximately eight (8) inches long andapproximately ¼ of an inch thick plate.

Key hole apertures 28 have a first portion and a second portion. Thefirst portion of each aperture 28 has a first cross-sectional areaparallel to the plane defined by plate 18 that tapers or reduces to asecond portion with a second cross-sectional area parallel to the planeof plate 18 in the second portion. The first portion of aperture 28 hasa larger cross-sectional area than the cross-sectional area of thesecond portion. Bolts 32 have heads that will fit through the firstportion, but cannot fit through the reduced area of the second portionof key hole apertures 28. Key hole apertures 28 are preferably alignedin a single direction, but it is understood that apertures 28 can haveany directional alignment that facilitates the securing and retaining ofcap plate 18 to the external structure.

Alternative equivalents of the selective retention mechanism of capplate 18 or means for selectively retaining plate 18 with fasteners 32includes configurations in which select apertures in cap plate 18 allowthe passage of a head of fastener 32 and a slotted washer, pin and/orslotted plate is positioned between cap plate 18 and the head offastener 32 to retain cap plate 18 with the head of fastener 32.

Column 12 is preferably a lally type column that has a steel outer tube34 that defines a rim 36 that is a portion of the terminal end of firstend portion 14 of column 12. Column 12 includes a concrete filling 38with a terminal end that is approximately flush with rim 36. First endportion 14 includes a notch or aperture 40 in an outwardly directed faceof the terminal end of concrete 38 that extends a predetermined distancealong and is aligned with the central longitudinal axis of column 12. Ananchor bolt 42 is positioned in concrete filling 38 that extends intonotch 40 and in the opposing direction along the central longitudinalaxis towards second end portion 16. Column 12 has an outside diameter inthis exemplary preferred embodiment that is approximately four (4)inches in diameter.

Notch 40 has a depth along the central longitudinal axis andcross-sectional area perpendicular to the longitudinal axis thatreceives nut 30 of plate 18. Bolt 42 has a first terminal end 44 that isapproximately aligned with rim 36 of tube 34. Anchor bolt 42 and nut 30secure the first side of cap plate 18 in direct contact with theterminal end of first end portion 14. Anchor bolt 42 provides thestructural integrity necessary for bolt 42 to provide uplift protectionand at least support the weight of adjustable column 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 3, in this preferred embodiment ofadjustment mechanism 20 includes a base flange 22, a base plate 24 andfour load bearing fasteners 26. Base flange 22 connects to second endportion 16 of column 12. Base flange 22 preferably defines two apertures46 that receive concrete screws 48 that secure base flange 22 toconcrete filling 38 of the terminal end of second end portion 16. It isunderstood that alternative methods of connecting flange 22 and column12 include those commonly used in the industry such as welding,adhesives and/or an anchor bolt, for example.

Base flange 22 has four apertures 50 that are in close proximity to theouter surface of column 12. Apertures 50 have an equidistant arrangementthat form a square around column 12. Each fastener 26 has a head and anopposed distal or second end. Each fastener 26 is preferably a hardenedset screw suitable for load bearing applications of adjustable column 10and to provide for the relative movement between base flange 22 and baseplate 24. Fasteners 26 preferably have a diameter of ½ inch and a lengthof approximately 3½ inches.

Continuing with this preferred embodiment, base plate 24 includes twodiagonally opposed apertures 52 and two diagonally opposed notches 53that are aligned with apertures 50. Fasteners 26, apertures 50,apertures 52 and notches 53 are aligned with the central longitudinalaxis. Apertures 52 can be through holes or terminate in plate 24. Twofasteners 26 are connected to both threaded apertures 50 in base flange22 and threaded apertures 52 in base plate 24 to securely couple baseflange 22 to base plate 24. The remaining two fasteners 26 are connectedto threaded apertures 50 and the distal end of each fastener 26 ispositioned in one of notches 53. Notches 53 are non-threaded depressionsin plate 24 that are sized and dimensioned to receive the second end offasteners 26.

Uplift protection for adjustable column 10 is provided by securingattachment mechanism 20 to an external structure. Fasteners such asconcrete screws 48 connect to the external structure through additionalapertures in base plate 24. Fasteners 26 can also extend throughapertures 52 in base plate 24 and have terminal ends suitable to connectwith an external structure.

In a variation of the first embodiment of adjustment mechanism 20, baseplate 24 includes four notches 53 that receive the second ends offasteners 26. This variation provides an increased ability to compensatefor angular variations in the external surface upon which base plate 24is positioned. Base plate 24 is connected to base flange 22 by a band54. In this variation, band 54 preferably extends under base plate 24and is secured to base flange 22 using screws 55. Band 54 is preferablymetal, but band 54 can be fabricated of alternative materials such ascomposites, polymers and fiberglass, for example, that connect baseflange 22 and base plate 24 together in a secure load bearing position.

Continuing with this variation of the first embodiment, upliftprotection is provided by the embedding of adjustment mechanism 20 in alayer of poured concrete such as concrete floor 6 (see FIG. 6). Upliftprotection can be also provided by using one or more concrete screws,such as fasteners 48 through additional holes in plate 24 and/or band 54and into an external surface such as sub-floor 4, for example (see FIG.6).

As shown in FIG. 4, a second preferred embodiment of adjustmentmechanism 20 includes a base plate 56 and a sleeve 58. Plate 56 has twoor more apertures 60 that receive fasteners 62, such as concrete screwsthat connect plate 56 to an external surface for uplift protection.Sleeve 58 connects to base plate 56 and defines an aperture 59 thatreceives column 12.

The second embodiment of adjustment mechanism 20 also includes a set ofdiscs 64 that has a plurality of individual discs that range inthickness between approximately 1/16 of an inch and approximately one(1) inch. Set of discs 64 preferably has planar parallel opposing facesand an outside diameter that is approximately equivalent to the outsidediameter of column 12. At least one of set of discs 64 is selectivelypositioned on base plate 24 to provide a continuous load bearinginterface between the terminal end of second end portion 16 of column 12and base plate 56. A recess is preferably defined in base 56 thatreceives and aligns the initial disc of set of discs 64 with theconnection for sleeve 58.

Sleeve 58 connects to second end portion 16 of column 12 and flange 56to align column 12 with set of discs 64 and create an integratedassembly of attachment mechanism 20 and column 12. Sleeve 58 enclosesset of discs 64 between base plate 56 and the terminal end of second endportion 16 of column 12. Sleeve 58 can connect to base plate 56 andcolumn 12 using any means of mechanical connection that providesadequate uplift protection. In this preferred embodiment, sleeve 58 issecured to column 12 by at least one aperture 66 in sleeve 58 thatreceives a fastener 68 that extends through tube 34 and into concretefilling 38.

Base plate 56 preferably has dimensions of approximately 5¾ by 8 inchesand a thickness perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of approximately⅜ of an inch. Sleeve 58 has a height along the longitudinal axis ofapproximately four inches and a thickness perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of approximately ¼ inch. Aperture 59 of sleeve 58 hasan inside diameter of approximately four (4) inches that receives a four(4) inch diameter lally column 12. It is understood, however, that thesedimensions are variables that are situational dependent upon interfacingwith a given dimension of column 12 for a specified structuralapplication.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, adjustment mechanism 20 preferably has arange of adjustability that is adapted to a particular column 12 andload capacities. For example, in one preferred embodiment, columns 12can be procured in lengths that vary by three inches. The adjustablerange of extension or adjustment mechanism 20 in this example isapproximately 3 inches depending upon factors such as the thickness ofbase flange 22 and which embodiment is employed.

Cap plate 18, base flange 22, base plate 24 and base plate 56 arepreferably planar shaped steel plates that can be dimensioned to aparticular application and to increase the level of uplift protection.For example, increasing the dimensions of base flange 22 and base plate24 increases the surface area of the interface and potentiallydistributes the load of adjustment mechanism 20 with an externalstructure.

Fasteners 48, 62 and 68 are fasteners that are appropriate for use withthe material with which they interface. For example, fasteners 48, 62and 68 are preferably hardened screws for connecting to concrete, butthe fasteners can also include attaching nuts and other connectingdevices depending upon the application. Similarly, anchor bolt 42 is ahardened bolt that preferably includes a retention aiding device that isembedded in concrete 38. The fasteners, to include fasteners 26, 32 andbolt 42 of adjustable column 10, have the load capacity to perform thedesired functions defined herein.

Referring now to FIG. 1 adjustable column 10 can be assembled andinstalled advantageously by a single unskilled worker as an apparatusthat includes column 12, cap plate 18 and adjustment mechanism 20.Select components such as cap plate 18, base flange 22 and/or base plate24, for example, can be manufactured and assembled in the field asadjustable column 10.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, cap plate 18 is preferably operationallyemployed as a template and two apertures 70 are made in an externalstructure such as beam 2 that are aligned with key hole apertures 28. Atleast two fasteners 32 are screwed into beam 2 and a gap is left betweenthe heads of fasteners 32 and beam 2 that can receive the thickness ofcap plate 18. Beam 2 is made of industry standard materials such aswood, wood products, concrete or steel and due to their varyingmaterials it is understand that there are application specificalternative processes for connecting a support structure, such asfasteners 32, to beam 2 for the suspension of column 12. Some of thesealternative support structures for beam 2 can include, for example, ametal strap, drilling holes and using standard fastener mechanisms suchas bolts and nuts, welding or an adapter plate, for example, that hasfasteners that connect to cap plate 18 as well as other alternativemechanical connection means.

Nut 30 is connected to anchor 42 in first end portion 14 to secure capplate 18 to column 12. Nut 30 recesses into aperture 40 defined inconcrete filling 38. This connection advantageously provides acontinuous load bearing interface between plate 18 and the terminal endof first end portion 14. The opposing side of cap plate 18 from nut 30is adapted to interface with beam 2.

Referring now to FIGS. 3, 5 and 6, in the first embodiment of adjustmentmechanism 20, base flange 22 is connected to second end portion 16.Fasteners 26 are threaded through apertures 50 and threaded intoapertures 52 or positioned in notches 53. The height of adjustmentmechanism 20 is adjusted by turning fasteners 26 that interface withnotches 53 to change the height between base flange 22 and base plate24. The height of distance between base flange 22 and base plate 24 isinitially adjusted so that there is sufficient clearance between baseplate 24 and a floor, such as a subfloor 4 or floor 6, to accommodatethe raising and connecting of adjustable column 10. In this preferredembodiment this can also include leaving sufficient height clearance fora lever to be inserted under adjustable column 10. It is understood thatthe load capacity, size and number of fasteners 26 as well as the numberof apertures 50, apertures 52 and notches 53 can vary depending upon anintended application of adjustable column 10.

Adjustable column 10 is then raised and temporarily held in anapproximately vertical position aligned with fasteners 32 in beam 2. Alever is positioned under adjustment mechanism 20 and actuated to raiseadjustable column 10 to pass the heads of preferably two fasteners 32through the first portions of key hole apertures 28 of cap plate 18.Adjustable column 10 is repositioned to secure the heads of fasteners 32in the second portion of key holes 28. As required, a safety plug oradapter can be additionally inserted into the first portions of key hole28 to ensure that adjustable column 10 does not shift during theinstallation process. Adjustable column 10 is then freely hanging fromthe connection of fasteners 32 with beam 2. Additional fasteners 32 areemployed through the remaining apertures 28 and/or 29 of cap plate 18 tosecure adjustable column 10 to beam 2 at a desired alignment.

In this preferred embodiment utilizing four fasteners 26, a first pairof diagonally opposed fasteners 26 is threaded into apertures 50 of baseflange 22 and into threaded apertures 52 of base plate 24. The firstpair of fasteners 26 preferably terminates in apertures 52. Theremaining pair of diagonally opposed fasteners 26 is threaded throughapertures 50 and each fastener 26 terminates in its respective notch 53of base plate 24. The second pair of fasteners 26 is employed to movebase plate 24 relative to base flange 22 and into direct contact withsub-floor 4 and place adjustable column 10 into a load bearing positionbetween beam 2 and sub-floor 4. Base plate 24 can also be adjusted tocompensate for minor slope variations in sub-floor 4.

Attachment mechanism 20 is secured to subfloor 4 by connecting fasteners48 through apertures in base plate 24 to secure adjustable column 10 tosubfloor 4. Fasteners 26 that include a concrete screw second endportion can be optionally extended through apertures 52 and intopre-drilled apertures in subfloor 4 to provide additional upliftprotection. Once adjustable column 10 is fixed in a load bearingposition between beam 2 and subfloor 4, concrete floor 6 is poured toencase adjustment mechanism 20. The encasing of adjustment mechanism 20includes the area between plates 22 and 24 and preferably overlaysfasteners 26 below the floor level. The encasing of adjustment mechanism20 advantageously provides additional uplift protection, sets adjustablecolumn 10 at a permanent height and precludes tampering.

In an alternative embodiment of attachment mechanism 20, base flange 22is connected to second end portion 16. Adjustable column 10 is raisedvertically and connected to beam 2 as described previously by a singleperson. In this preferred embodiment, base plate 24 is positioned onsubfloor 4 and the four fasteners 26 are threaded through apertures 50of base flange 22 and each fastener 26 is aligned with a notch 53.Fasteners 26 are extended into notches 53 to adjust the height ofadjustable column 10 and positioning adjustable column 10 in a loadbearing position by moving base flange 22 relative to base plate 24.Uplift protection is provided by band 54 that is positioned under baseplate 24 and connects to base flange 22 as described previously.Additional fasteners can extend through base plate 24 and/or base plateand band 54 to connect adjustment mechanism 20 to subfloor 4 to provideuplift protection. Adjustment mechanism 20 is then overlaid with floor 6as described above.

Alternatively, base plate 24 of adjustment mechanism 20 can bepositioned on and secured directly to floor 6. In this application, thegap between plates 22 and 24 is filled with grout. Adjustment mechanism20 can be further encased in concrete, as desired. As noted above,fasteners 48 are employed through apertures in base plate 24 anddirectly into floor 6 to provide uplift protection.

As shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 7, the operational employment of the secondembodiment of adjustment mechanism 20 of adjustable column 10 includesthe alignment of cap plate 18 and base plate 56. Cap plate 18 is securedto column 12 and fasteners 32 to beam 2. Sleeve 58 is slidinglyconnected onto column 12. Adjustable column 10 is raised approximatelyvertical and connected to beam 2 as described previously. Base plate 56is aligned with column 12 and secured onto subfloor 4 by connectingfasteners 62 into subfloor 4 through apertures 60 of base plate 56.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, one or more individual discs from set ofdiscs 64 are selectively inserted to fill the gap between base plate 56and the terminal end of second end portion 16 of column 12. The set ofdiscs 64 is aligned with column 12 and sleeve 58 is slid down column 12and connected with base plate 56. The means of connection between sleeve58 and flange 56 can be a permanent coupling such as welded joint oralternatively a removable connection such as a threaded or a boltedinterface. Specific examples of equivalents include a flange 56 that hasan outer sleeve secured with fasteners to sleeve 58 or a sleeve 58 thatincludes a flange aligned with flange 56 and apertures that receive twoor more concrete screws, such as concrete screws 64 that connect sleeve58 to at least flange 56.

In the preferred embodiment, fasteners 68 connect column 12 and sleeve58 through apertures 66. The apertures in column 12 that receivefasteners 68 can be one of a plurality of apertures that are predrilledin column 12 or apertures that are drilled on site during installation.The second embodiment of adjustment mechanism 20 can then be selectivelyencased in concrete to provide additional uplift protection and precludetampering.

In the preceding specification, the present disclosure has beendescribed with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof. Itwill be evident, however, that various modifications, combinations andchanges may be made thereto without departing from the broader spiritand scope of the invention as set forth in the claims that follow. Forexample adjustment mechanism 20 can include alternative means foradjusting the height of column 12 such as a single threaded load bearingconnector that couples with threaded connectors on base flange 22 andbase plate 24 to adjust the height of adjustable column 10.

What is claimed is:
 1. An adjustable lally column that comprises: alally column that has a first end portion and an opposed second endportion; a cap plate that has a first side that connects to the firstend portion and an opposed side that is adapted to connect to a beam, acap plate fastener connects the cap plate and the lally column, the capplate includes a selective retention mechanism for connecting the capplate to the beam, the selective retention mechanism includes aperturesin the cap plate that vary in cross-section area and a support structureadapted to connect to the beam, each aperture of the selective retentionmechanism has a first portion that has a first cross-sectional area anda second portion that has a second cross-sectional area, the firstcross-sectional is larger than the second cross-sectional area, thesupport structure includes fasteners that have a head and a shaft, theshaft has a first cross-sectional area that is less than thecross-sectional area of the head, the fasteners align with the aperturesof the selective retention mechanism of the cap and adapted to connectto the beam, the heads of the fasteners receive the first portions ofthe apertures, the fasteners aligned with second portion of theapertures, the selective retention mechanism adapted to retain the capplate in a suspended position from the beam, an adjustment mechanismthat connects to the second end portion of the column and includes abase plate, the base plate adapted to be positioned on a floor, theadjustment mechanism extendable between the second portion and thefloor, the adjustment mechanism adapted to position the suspended capplate and lally column in a load bearing position between the beam andfloor.
 2. The adjustable lally column of claim 1, wherein the supportstructure is a fastener that is a bolt and the bolt is adapted toconnect to the beam.
 3. The adjustable lally column of claim 1, whereinthe adjustment mechanism aligned with the lally column and the baseplate adapted to secure to the floor and aligned with the lally columnin the suspended position.
 4. The adjustable lally column of claim 1,wherein the adjustment mechanism includes a base flange that connects tothe second end portion and at least one threaded fastener adjusts thedistance between the base plate and the base flange and provides a loadbearing interface between the base flange and base plate.
 5. Theadjustable lally column of claim 1, wherein the adjust mechanismincludes a base flange and a plurality of threaded fasteners, at leasttwo threaded fasteners connect the base flange and base plate and atleast two threaded fasteners adjust the distance between the base flangeand the base plate.
 6. The adjustable lally column of claim 1, whereinat least one threaded fastener extends through the base plate and the atleast one fasteners adapted to connect to the floor.
 7. The adjustablelally column of claim 1, wherein uplift protection is provided byfasteners that extend through apertures in the base plate and fastenersadapted to extend into the floor and fasteners that extend through theapertures in the cap plate and adapted to extend into the beam.
 8. Theadjustable lally column of claim 1, wherein the adjustment mechanism isconnected to the cap plate and column in the suspended position and theadjustment mechanism extends from the second portion to the floor toposition the column and cap plate in the load bearing position betweenthe beam and the floor.
 9. The adjustable lally column of claim 1,wherein the support structure adapted to connect to the beam and retainthe cap plate in the suspended position from the beam, the lally columnconnected to the cap plate in the suspended position.
 10. The adjustablelally column of claim 1, wherein the additional fasteners includesfasteners adapted to secure the cap plate in position to the beam at thedesired alignment.
 11. The adjustable lally column of claim 1, whereinthe adjustment mechanism includes a base flange and a plurality ofthreaded fasteners, at least one threaded fastener connects the baseflange and base plate and at least two threaded fasteners adjust thedistance between the base flange and the base plate.
 12. The adjustablelally column of claim 1, wherein the adjustment mechanism includes abase flange and a plurality of threaded fasteners, at least two threadedfasteners adjust the distance between the base flange and the baseplate.